Toddler Dragged Off By Alligator: Orlando Suffers Another Heartbreak

June 15, 2016

It's been a terrible week for Orlando. They have suffered the terrorist shooting of more than 50 people at a nightclub and had singer Christina Grimmie shot after a concert. Now a toddler has been dragged into the water by an alligator at a Disney resort, while his family vacationed there from Nebraska.

CNN reports: "The boy's family was at movie night outdoors at the Grand Floridian resort when around 9 p.m. the boy waded into about a foot of water in a lagoon, authorities have said. Witnesses, including the boy's horrified parents, tried to save him. His father jumped in and tried to pry the gator's mouth open. His mother jumped in, too.

"But it was too late," the report continued. "The child was dragged underwater in the Seven Seas Lagoon, witnesses told authorities. The lagoon is connected to a series of canals that feed into large bodies of water, according to Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Executive Director Nick Wiley."

Law enforcement is doing everything they can to recover the boy's body, now presumed dead, but it will be difficult. Sadly, in addition to the terrible loss, the family is receiving intense criticism over social media for negligence. Some are saying the dad should have been better protecting his son from the water that warned "No Swimming." But others are defending the family, saying that "No Swimming" doesn't infer alligator danger and that this is no time for criticism.

We agree. This is such a terrible time in this family's life. They have two other children that will be grieving as well. Can you say a prayer for them in the Comments? Thank you so much.